The Southern Conference officially welcomed Samford University on July 1, 2008, as the 12th member of the conference and 43rd in the league’s 88 years.

Samford was founded in 1841 as Howard College in Marion, Alabama. After surviving fires as well as the

Official athletics logo

Civil War and Reconstruction, the college was relocated to Birmingham, AL, in 1887 and was moved to its present location in 1957. The university officially changed its name to Samford in 1965 and has an enrollment of more than 4,500 students. Samford sponsors 17 sports for men and women.

“This is a great day for Samford University, one that we have anticipated with excitement since we first agreed to become part of the Southern Conference” said Samford President Andrew Westmoreland. “As we now officially join our academic and athletics programs with those of the outstanding institutions who already are part of the historic SoCon, we look forward to a strong and exciting future together.”

COMMENTS FROM BOB ROLLER, SAMFORD ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

“This day is a culmination of many dreams of Samford alumni and fans, and it speaks volumes about the progression of our athletics program,” Roller said. “It also points to the dedication and hard work of many coaches and student-athletes who have worked tirelessly to put us in this position. Competing in the Southern Conference in intercollegiate athletics is a challenge – plain and simple. I have not met one member of our program who does not welcome this challenge. We look forward to working with Commissioner (John) Iamarino and staff in the coming days.”

COMMENTS FROM JOHN IAMARINO, SOUTHERN CONFERENCE COMMISSIONER

“We are delighted that SamfordUniversity will become the 12th member of the SoCon. Samford’s institutional profile is one that is very consistent with those of our current members – strong academics, an unwavering commitment to the welfare and graduation of the student-athlete, combined with a burning desire to operate a successful athletics program within the mission of the institution. It will strengthen our efforts in both football and basketball scheduling and provides a road-swing partner for Chattanooga on the western flank of the Conference. It opens up a significant southern market (Birmingham) to SoCon exposure. Most importantly, it gives us another institution committed to operating a good competitive program while not sacrificing its academic integrity in any manner.”